New services launched as Boost secures £3.9m funding

Boost, Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, has secured an additional £3.9m funding which has enabled it to launch new services as it extends its offering until at least March 2025.

The programme, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2023, has supported more than 14,000 businesses since its launch, creating more than 3,500 jobs. The Growth Hub is aiming to support more than 1,000 more businesses, in addition to helping 125 new businesses start and create more than 1,000 new jobs.

The additional services announced alongside the extension include a new Business Support Helpdesk, which offers advice and guidance to anyone thinking of starting a business in Lancashire, as well as businesses already trading in the county. The Helpdesk will provide business owners with guidance on available local, national and sector business support.

Businesses in the participating partner local authority areas will also have access to a Business Advice Service, led by a team of experienced advisers. This service includes a 360-business review, a business support action plan and access to business clinics.

Boost has also revealed a new Flying Start programme, delivered by Lancashire-based Selnet, and has appointed national business support provider, the Growth Company, to deliver a Growth Catalyst programme, and a Scale to Thrive programme.

The Growth Hub will also deliver a new Access to Finance service to help businesses find and secure finance and funding.

The additional £3.9m funding comprises contributions from Lancashire County Council (£1.2m), UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations from 10 partner local authorities, and the Department of Business & Trade (£2.7m).

The partner local authorities are Blackburn with Darwen Council, Burnley Council, Chorley Council, Fylde Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, Pendle Borough Council, Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council, West Lancashire Borough Council and Wyre Council.

County councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development and growth, Lancashire County Council, said: “It’s been ten years of impact for Boost and we are firmly setting the dial towards the future with a comprehensive range of services and programmes to help more entrepreneurs and leaders start, grow and thrive, especially those that have not received support from Boost.

“We are delighted to work in partnership with more local authorities to provide a tailored business support function to meet the unique needs of our local sectors, as well as helping all Lancashire businesses through our new helpdesk."

Andrew Leeming, programme manager of Boost, added: “This is a powerful and exciting new Growth Hub partnership offering a rich breadth of business support to owners and leaders across the county.

“We look forward to collaborating with all Lancashire local authorities, public and private sector partners to ensure Lancashire business owners and directors get the right business support to help them solve problems, improve their business and achieve their goals, collectively unlocking the economic potential of our brilliant county."